Hog Caliber

I just watched a video in which a fellow used a .177 cal Gamo rifle to kill a 250lb + hog. This seems a bit ridiculous to me as I just don't see that it would be powerful enough.

I then watched a fellow use a .25 cal Gamo rifle but killed a small hog, which I can see being somewhat plausible.

Is a .22 or .25 cal gas piston air rifle really powerful enough?

Does anyone make a .45 or .50 cal gas piston air rifle?

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rodwha

May 27, 2014, 04:43 PM

I've been looking at the .45 and .50 cal rifles and considering the .45 cal as it seems it could share my .45 cal cap n ball bullet of 195 grns with the WFN.

http://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-195C-D.png

But even this seems quite underpowered. It seems at best I can get about 200 ft/lbs.

rodwha

May 28, 2014, 12:11 PM

I'm not looking for something that requires a precise head shot, but something I could use that can handle shots to the vitals.

Seeing how a RB from a muzzleloader having such a poor design and sectional density can give a complete passthrough with what I would have thought was an inhumane velocity/energy figure then maybe these air guns using a bullet can actually do the job as long as you keep it rather close (<50 yds).

I've seen one .45 cal air rifle that gives 500 ft/lbs using 400+ grn bullets. That I'd have no problem believing.

I've also seen an old military video in which they used an 1860 Army with a ball traveling under 700 fps penetrate through the block of ballistic gel with a bone in the center. I wouldn't have thought it possible.

rodwha

May 28, 2014, 01:02 PM

I don't want any sort of tactical looking sniper rifle, but a simple standard gun, and the one I keep finding is the Sam Yang 909. One that doesn't weigh more than a typical rifle and has open sights, though I may top it with a scope.

jmorris

May 28, 2014, 08:29 PM

This is more than enough energy to kill one but not very practical.
http://s121.photobucket.com/user/jmorrismetal/media/reloading/bbc/VIDEO0144_zps658b32b8.mp4.html

You can kill a water buffalo with a squirt gun, if everything is " just right".

rodwha

May 28, 2014, 09:04 PM

Not really what I had in mind.

rodinal220

May 29, 2014, 10:05 AM

.357 caliber: http://www.pyramydair.com/a/Air_guns/588/calibers_0_357

.45 caliber: http://www.pyramydair.com/a/Air_guns/588/calibers_0_45

.50 caliber: http://www.pyramydair.com/a/Air_guns/588/calibers_0_5

Yes,its very possible to "kill" a pig sized animal with a good .177,.20,.22,.25 but range will be short,real short and proper power plant and pellet selection are a must. Perfect head shots are a must.

rodwha

May 29, 2014, 11:22 AM

Are you familiar with the Sam Yang 909?

I've seen it will produce about 200 ft/lbs or 300 ft/lbs depending on where you look.

It also seems the bullets used are on the lighter side. Can they handle heavier bullets? I have a 285 grn WFN that's .456" and wonder if it would work. It sure would penetrate much better than my 195 grn version.

rodinal220

May 29, 2014, 04:59 PM

I have shot the Sam Yangs,but have not made the move to make an investment in the support gear for PCP. They are nice but eats air, it is a big bore hunting gun,not a plinker.

I do not know off the top of my head of anyone making a conventional spring or gas-spring air gun in .45/50 caliber. Most folks feel .25 is the limit on springers and best in the smaller calibers.

Here is another link to big bore air rifles:

http://www.quackenbushairguns.com/

craftsman

May 30, 2014, 05:47 PM

Everything in 9mm ( 0.357) or above is PCP. Prices start for the Sam Yangs at about $670 and go up to nearly $3K.

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